Obituary of Joanne Lynn Deans Caswell

Joanne Lynn Deans Caswell (nee Gair) Peacefully in her sleep, Joanne passed away Sunday night, October 13, 2013 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto. She had spent most of her 69th year battling pancreatic cancer with her customary grace and tenacity, yet rarely complained and maintained a positive disposition throughout. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Ralph, her son Jamie, her step-children Stacey and Tom and her grandchildren Hudson and Alexis. She is predeceased by her husband Grant Deans and her brother Joe Gair. Joanne also leaves behind her sisters Bonni, Elaine, Ellen and Kathrin. While likely just as loud, Gair sister gatherings will never be quite the same without her. Joanne took immense pride in finally being a grandmother, so much so that she happily adopted her title of 'big nana' as Hudson would jokingly call her. Being a former Miss Metro Toronto and Miss Canada contestant (legend has it she was the sixth runner-up), having the word "big" attached to her was indeed a true testament to her affection for Hudson and Alexis. Her family would like to thank everyone for all of the kind words and support over the past few months. We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Odette Cancer Centre. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2013. Funeral service will be held in the METROPOLITAN UNITED CHURCH, 56 Queen Street East on Friday, October 18, 2013 at 2:30 p.m.. A reception will follow immediately after at the Albany Club, 91 King Street East. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Honourable Madam Justice Moira Lenore Caswell Bursary at York University, 416-650-8210. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.